Logue, Shanahan leave big impression

What an outstanding year it has been for Barrington’s Matt Logue and Buffalo Grove’s Chris Shanahan.

The two dynamic hitters, teammates on the Rolling Thunder and Pipeline club squads in the offseason, both led their high school teams to perfect 10-0 Mid-Suburban League division records this season.

Shanahan capped off a tremendous four-year career by winning the award as the MSL East player of the year. Logue also excelled, capturing the MSL West player of the year honor.

As a result, the two stars are now the Cook County co-captains of the 2011 Daily Herald Boys Volleyball All-Area team, and their coaches cannot say enough good things about the two.

“Matt had possibly the best all-around season in (our) boys volleyball history,” said Broncos coach Rob Ridenour. “He was one of our strongest attackers, blockers, servers and ball-control players.”

Logue made a big impact on the stat sheet with 312 kills, 51 jump-serving aces, 232 digs and 41 blocks.

Shanahan was just as impressive. The Bison senior hammered 419 season kills, had 45 assists, 62 aces and 124 blocks.

“Chris played at an elite level his entire career,” said BG coach Matt Aiello. “He was able to do anything on the court — he could hit, block, serve receive, set, play defense, and could literally play any position for us.”

Shanahan’s BG teams did not lose a game in the MSL East (the Bison are currently on an incredible 40-game win streak), and thanks in big part to the senior right-side’s efforts, participated in three state finals, winning a second- and third-place state trophy.

Some of Shanahan’s most cherished volleyball memories have come from Bison playoff victories, and he specifically points to last season’s memorable 25-22, 23-25, 35-33 supersectional win over Vernon Hills as one of the high points.

BG mounted comeback after comeback in that match and in a “refuse to lose” mode was able to persevere. But the Bison met the Cougars in the playoffs again this season and suffered a tough loss, denying Shanahan a fourth appearance at the state finals in Hoffman Estates.

Vernon Hills wound up taking home the third-place state trophy this year.

“I wasn’t really focused on the rivalry when we played them (Vernon Hills) this year,” said Shanahan. “They were obviously pointing for us, but we were all concentrating on just trying to move on in the postseason but unfortunately we fell a bit short.”

Logue, despite some stellar success over the years, was not fortunate enough to advance to the state finals. The Broncos, after a remarkable season, knew they had a great shot in 2011 but fell to upstart Libertyville.

“We thought we’d get there this year, but we just ran into a hot team,” said Logue.

Both players look on their current coaches, Aiello and Ridenour, as big influences on their careers.

Shanahan points to Aiello’s “intensity and the way he goes about his business.” Logue appreciates the trust Ridenour gave him by appointing him as a captain.

“I was one of only two seniors on the floor this year,” said Logue, “and I knew that coach Ridenour expected a lot from me, and that meant a lot to me.”

Logue also points to some Barrington victories as some of his top volleyball moments, especially a big win over Maine South in the Hawks’ championship year and an early-season win this season over eventual state titleist Sandburg.

“And it was not only the victories,” added Logue, “but it was also the camaraderie my teammates and I had together. We were like a family.”

Now Logue will be off to Carthage College in the fall and Shanahan will attend Indiana University. Both grads plan to study business.

And since they’ve always taken care of business on the court and in the classroom, who better than their respective coaches, who will sorely miss these role models, to have the last word?

“No one can compare to the kind of player Chris is,” said Aiello. “He was a two-time captain for us, and worked to keep his team focused and working hard. He’s not only naturally gifted, but also developed a great work ethic. He’s left his mark on BG.”

And how about co-captain Logue, Mr. Ridenour?

“In important situations,” said the long-time Barrington coach, “everyone knew that Matt was going to be the one to make the key play. His will and tenacity were just incredible.”